The Wisdom from Above

Welcome to day 5 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. All the posts in this series are indexed here

the wisdom from above {STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life}

Last week was one of those really hard weeks. I feel like I say that a lot lately. And I don’t mean to … it’s just that well, life is hard.

A week ago today, we found out three families in our church were facing incredibly difficult situations. Which made me think, if we know about three how many others are struggling and we don’t know anything about it at all.

Scott’s grandmother had to bury her youngest sister last week. One of my closest friends buried her younger sister. And others in our church and community also grieved the loss of loved ones.

Two of the women I love most are caring for their mothers who are near the end of life. It’s painful to be waiting and praying for the suffering to end but also long for more time with those we love.

And then the shootings at Umpqua Community College.

If ever there was a time we needed wisdom, it’s now.

How do we respond to the heartache and heartbreak of this world?

How do we abide in Christ when our circumstances are overwhelming?

How do we love our neighbors?

How do we teach our children {and ourselves} to stand firm in the face of possible death?

Wisdom from God is the foundation of a counter cultural life.

It’s time for us to seek wisdom. But in order to do so, we need to realize true wisdom comes from the Lord. These verses from James’ epistle offer a contrast between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:13-17, emphasis added

Tomorrow we’ll look at the path to godly wisdom and the next day we’ll discuss living wisely in the everyday.  I’ll be honest, this is a topic we could spend the entire 31 days covering and still have plenty left undiscussed.  Wisdom is the foundation of all the other traits we’ll look at throughout the rest of the month.

Thanks for joining me this month. I hope these posts will be both encouraging and challenging to you.

xo,

Teri Lynne

A few months ago I released Choose Wisdom: a devotional journey through Proverbs. One of the best practices I have found for growing in wisdom is to read Proverbs daily. Click the image below for more information or to order your copy.

Choose Wisdom: a devotional journey through Proverbs by Teri Lynne Underwood

 

 

Read the Psalms this summer with Scripture Dig!

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